LOW-PAID workers were “killed by their class” as they fought to keep services running during the pandemic, the STUC told the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry today.

General secretary Roz Foyer’s stark judgement came as she appeared before the inquiry for a second time, citing the class-ridden effects of the virus across the board.

STUC evidence submitted to the inquiry showed that those from lower social classes were more likely to be killed during the pandemic compared to their wealthier peers.

The government’s own figures show that workers in process plants, retail staff, construction and delivery drivers faced some of the highest death rates during the Covid-19 crisis, while those reliant on public transport and living in overcrowded housing also lived with disproportionate risk. 

The STUC argued the risks from the nature of many low-paid jobs was compounded further by the Westminster government’s sick pay policy, which forced those on insecure contracts to take risks, as well as employer negligence on social distancing, PPE and safety at work — all harms which could have been avoided.

Ms Foyer commented: “Workers were killed by their class.

“STUC testimony to the inquiry today showed that poorer, low-paid workers from typically lower social classes were disproportionately impacted by the disease.

“Their memories cannot be allowed to fade. Covid-19 was not just a health crisis; it was a class crisis.

“The poorest in our society — those often deemed ‘essential’ and key workers, suffered the most.

“They paid the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home from work due to government inaction and employer negligence that avoidably put them in harm’s way.

“For those who survived, many continue to suffer from the long-term effects of Covid-19, which must now be recognised as an industrial disease.

“Those who went to work every day did so in service to their families and their communities.”

Calling for governments to recognise and compensate those living with long Covid, she added: “Workers deserve better.

“It’s too cheap to say ‘we must learn lessons.’ It’s more than that.

“We must build a fairer, safer economy that puts worker safety front and centre.

“This means empowering workplaces, devolving employment law, enforcing stronger protections and ensuring no worker ever again is thrown into danger by unscrupulous employers or ill-prepared governments.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said it remained “committed to learning lessons,” but added: “It would be inappropriate to comment on the detail of evidence being considered by the Scottish inquiry while hearings are ongoing.”

The British Department of Health and Social Care has declined to comment.

The inquiry, held before Lord Brailsford, continues.